Press Room
Annual International Conference on
” Religion, Conflict, and Peace: “
Walking the Talk to Compassion and Harmony
An Official Partner and Event of
Charter For Compassion and Parliament of World Religions
Sponsored by:
Common Bond Institute (CBI)
Co-Sponsored by:
International Humanistic Psychology Association
Endorsed by:
An international list of over 100 professional associations, organizations, and universities
Official Partner and Event of:
Charter For Compassion and Parliament of World’s Religions
Press Release (pdf):
1 Page Color Flyer – to Print and Post (pdf)
1 Page Black & White Flyer – to Print and Post (pdf)
1 page Color Flyer – Large – to Print and Post (pdf)
Conference Notice – Email version
Previous Conference PROGRAM
Previous Presenter Biographicals
Program Overview, Schedule, & Guidelines
On-Site Video Proceedings and Interviews
Underlying Concepts
Voices of Reason: Articles and Chapters on Underlying Concepts
Background on Common Bond Institute (CBI) (pdf)
Background on Steve Olweean
Background on International Humanistic Psychology Association (IHPA)
Guidelines For Compassionate Dialogue
Common Bond Institute conferences strive to promote an inclusive, compassionate dialogue that honors different personal experiences, perspectives, and narratives, while allowing for better expressing and listening to each other as we work together toward understanding and harmony. Our intention is to create an open venue where we can engage meaningfully and invite in a public dialogue that brings our joint wisdom to bear in exploring sometimes difficult issues that effect us all. This is based on the premise that it does not require that we be the same to be appreciate of, at peace with, and secure in our relationships with each other; only that we be familiar enough with each others story to share the humanity and trustworthiness that resides in each of us. We ask all participants to assist us by carrying and expressing this intent throughout the conference.
NonViolent Communication Guidelines: (adapted from Marshall Rosenberg)
Unique Assumptions-NVC begins by assuming that we are all compassionate by nature and that violent strategies-whether verbal or physical-are learned behaviors taught and supported by the prevailing culture. It also assumes that we all share the same, basic human needs, and that all actions are a strategy to meet one or more of these needs.
While NVC is much more than a communication model, the components below provide a structural concept of the process that leads to giving and receiving from the heart.
Honestly Expressing how I am and what I would like without using blame, criticism or demands
Empathically Receiving how another is and what he/she would like without hearing blame, criticism or demands
Whether expressing or receiving, NVC focuses our attention on four pieces of information:
1) Observations – Objectively describing what is going on without using evaluation, moralistic judgment, interpretation or diagnosis
2) Feelings – Saying how you feel (emotions and body sensations) about what you have observed without assigning blame
3) Needs – The basic human needs that are or not being met and are the source of feelings
4) Requests – Clear request for actions that can meet needs